Christian families are stranded in ISIS-controlled Raqqa

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent

RAQQA (Worthy News)-- The Islamic State is forcing the remaining Christian families in Raqqa to pay the jizya or protection tax, according to Christian Today.

The families are expected to pay the equivalent of $535 (US), or be expelled from their homes.

Formerly there were 1,500 Christian families in Raqqa, but most fled after IS captured the city in August. Some have escaped to Turkey, Damascus or to Syrian government-controlled areas, but Christians who remain in Raqqa can't leave the city due to their age, health or poverty. They can only leave their homes for a few hours each morning to gather food and other needed items.